Outside view monitor system and vehicle having the same

ABSTRACT

A monitor system for a vehicle includes a camera, a display, a failure detection device, and a prohibition control device. The camera captures an image of an area around the vehicle. The display displays the captured image to a driver of the vehicle. The failure detection device detects a failure of a function that allows the display to display the captured image. The prohibition control device prohibits the vehicle from being driven, when the failure detection device detects the failure of the function.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is based on and incorporates herein by referenceJapanese Patent Application No. 2009-36283 filed on Feb. 19, 2009.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an outside view monitor system and avehicle having the outside view monitor system.

In a conventional outside view monitor system, an image of the areaaround the vehicle is captured by a camera mounted on the vehicle, andthe captured image is displayed on a display inside the vehicle so thata driver of the vehicle can see the image. JP-2002-163792A discloses atechnique for detecting a failure of such a system and for reportingoccurrence of the failure to a driver.

However, according to the technique of JP-2002-163792A, when the failureis detected and reported to the driver, the driver needs to decide onhis/her own whether to stop driving the vehicle. Therefore, the drivermay continue to drive the vehicle even in a situation where the vehicleshould be stopped due to the failure.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the above, it is an object of the present invention to reducea risk that a driver of a vehicle drives the vehicle in the event of afailure of a function that captures an image of the area around thevehicle and displays the captured image to the driver.

According to an aspect of the present invention, a monitor system for avehicle includes a camera, a display, a failure detection device, and aprohibition control device. The camera captures an image of an areaaround the vehicle. The display displays the captured image to a driverof the vehicle. The failure detection device detects a failure of afunction that allows the display to display the captured image. Theprohibition control device prohibits the vehicle from being driven inresponse to detection of the failure by the failure detection device.The prohibition control device preferably can provide the driver with awarning that urges the driver to stop the vehicle, when the vehicle runsat the time of the detection of the failure. In this case, theprohibition control device prohibits the vehicle from being driven,after the vehicle is stopped. The monitor system further can include asubstitute device that serves as a substitute for the function andallows the driver to see the area around the vehicle without thefunction. In this case, the prohibition control device removesprohibition on driving the vehicle, when the substitute device is inuse.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a vehicle includesthe monitor system. The function of the monitor system serves as asubstitute for at least one of a side mirror and a rear view mirror. Thevehicle does not have the at least one of the side mirror and the rearview mirror.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other objectives, features and advantages of the presentinvention will become more apparent from the following detaileddescription made with check to the accompanying drawings. In thedrawings:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an electronic mirror systemaccording to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a left side marker lamp of a vehicle;

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a left side camera and a left sidelight emitter attached to the left side maker lamp;

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a fin antenna mounted on the top of thevehicle;

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the fin antenna mounted on the rear ofthe vehicle;

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a center camera and a center lightemitter attached to the fin antenna;

FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a controller;

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a substitute left side mirror and theleft side light emitter in normal times;

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an image displayed on a screen of aleft side display;

FIG. 10 is a flow diagram illustrating a failure handling functionperformed by the controller;

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating the left side light emitter at thetime of occurrence of a failure;

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a warning displayed to a driver of thevehicle at the time of occurrence of the failure; and

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating the substitute left side mirror thatis in use.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

An electronic mirror system according to an embodiment of the presentinvention is described below with reference to the drawings. Theelectronic mirror system is one example of an outside view monitorsystem. The electronic mirror system is mounted on a vehicle 100,captures an image of the area around the vehicle 100, and displays thecaptured image to a driver inside the vehicle 100. Thus, the electronicmirror system can serve as a substitute for left and right side mirrorsand a rear view mirror.

As shown in FIG. 1, the electronic mirror system includes a camera groupof cameras 1 a-1 c, a light group of light emitters 2 a-2 c, a soundgroup of sound emitters 3 a-3 c, a mirror group of substitute mirrors 4a-4 c, a communication device 5, a voice output device 6, a driveprohibition device 7, a display group of displays 8 a-8 c, a controller9, and a cable group of cables. These components are connected togetherby the cable group. For example, the cable group includes cables 10 a-10c and cables 11 a-11 c.

The camera group includes a left side camera 1 a, a right side camera 1b, and a center camera 1 c. Each of the cameras 1 a-1 c repeatedlycaptures an image of its respective capture area at a predeterminedregular interval (e.g., thirty images per second) and sequentiallyoutputs a signal of the captured image to the controller 9.

The left side camera 1 a is mounted to a left door of the vehicle 100.Specifically, the left side camera 1 a is mounted near a position wherea left side mirror is generally located. Thus, the left side camera 1 acan capture an image of the area that is generally seen in a left sidemirror by a driver seated in a driver's seat of the vehicle 100. Thatis, the left side camera 1 a can capture and image of the area behindand to the left of the vehicle 100.

For example, the left side camera 1 a can be mounted to a left sidemarker lamp 12, shown in FIG. 2, of the vehicle 100. In this case, asshown in FIG. 3, the left side camera 1 a can be mounted to a rear endportion of the left side marker lamp 12.

The right side camera 1 b is mounted to a right door of the vehicle 100.Specifically, the right side camera 1 b is mounted near a position wherea right side mirror is generally located. Thus, the right side camera 1b can capture an image of the area that is generally seen in a rightside mirror by the driver seated in the driver's seat. That is, theright side camera 1 b can capture an image of the area behind and to theright of the vehicle 100. For example, the right side camera 1 b can bemounted to a right side marker lamp (not shown) of the vehicle 100. Inthis case, the right side camera 1 b can be mounted to a rear endportion of the right side marker lamp.

The center camera 1 c is mounted on the top (e.g., roof) or the rear(e.g., trunk) of the vehicle 100. Thus, the center camera 1 c cancapture an image of the area that is generally seen in a rear viewmirror by the driver seated in the driver's seat. That is, the centercamera 1 c can capture an image of the area directly behind the vehicle100.

For example, the center camera 1 c can be mounted to a fin antenna 13shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. In the example shown in FIG. 4, the fin antenna13 is mounted on the top of the vehicle 100. In the example shown inFIG. 5, the fin antenna 13 is mounted on the rear of the vehicle 100. Ineach example, as shown in FIG. 6, the center camera 1 c can be mountedto a rear end portion of the fin antenna 13. The fin antenna 13 is usedfor transmission and reception of a wireless signal by a wirelesscommunication apparatus (e.g., the communication device 5) mounted onthe vehicle 100.

The light group includes a left side light emitter 2 a, a right sidelight emitter 2 b, and a center light emitter 2 c. Each of the lightemitters 2 a-2 c emits a light toward the area around the vehicle 100.For example, each of the light emitters 2 a-2 c can be a light emittingdiode (LED) or the like.

The left side light emitter 2 a is mounted near the left side camera 1a. For example, the left side light emitter 2 a can be mounted withintwenty centimeters from the left side camera 1 a. For example, as shownin FIG. 3, along with the left side camera 1 a, the left side lightemitter 2 a can be mounted to the rear end portion of the left sidemaker lamp 12 of the vehicle 100.

The right side light emitter 2 b is mounted near the right side camera 1b. For example, the right side light emitter 2 b can be mounted withintwenty centimeters from the right side camera 1 b. For example, alongwith the right side camera 1 b, the right side light emitter 2 b can bemounted to the rear end portion of the right side maker lamp of thevehicle 100.

The center light emitter 2 c is mounted near the center camera 1 c. Forexample, the center light emitter 2 c can be mounted within twentycentimeters from the center camera 1 c. For example, as shown in FIG. 6,along with the center camera 1 c, the center light emitter 2 c can bemounted to the rear end portion of the fin antenna 13.

The sound group includes a left side sound emitter 3 a, a right sidesound emitter 3 b, and a center sound emitter 3 c. Each of the soundemitters 3 a-3 c emits a sound toward the area around the vehicle 100 sothat the sound can be heard by a person within a predetermined distancefrom the vehicle 100. For example, the magnitude of the sound is largeenough to be heard by a person within a radius of ten meters from thevehicle 100. For example, each of the sound emitters 3 a-3 c can be abuzzer or the like.

The left side sound emitter 3 a is mounted near the left side camera 1a. For example, the left side sound emitter 3 a can be incorporated(e.g., imbedded) in the left side marker lamp 12 to which the left sidecamera 1 a is mounted.

The right side sound emitter 3 b is mounted near the right side camera 1b. For example, the right side sound emitter 3 b can be incorporated(e.g., imbedded) in the right side marker lamp to which the right sidecamera 1 b is mounted.

The center sound emitter 3 c is mounted near the center camera 1 c. Forexample, the center sound emitter 3 c can be incorporated (e.g.,imbedded) in the fin antenna 13 to which the center camera is mounted.

The mirror group includes a substitute left side mirror 4 a, asubstitute right side mirror 4 b, and a substitute rear view mirror 4 c.The substitute mirrors 4 a-4 c are used when it is impossible for theelectronic mirror system to display the image of the area around thevehicle 100. That is, in normal times where the electronic mirror systemoperates properly, the substitute mirrors 4 a-4 c are not used.

The substitute left side mirror 4 a is mounted near the left side camera1 a and used when the image captured by the left side camera 1 a cannotbe displayed. The substitute right side mirror 4 b is mounted near theright side camera 1 b and used when the image captured by the right sidecamera 1 b cannot be displayed. The substitute rear view mirror 4 c ismounted in a position where a rear view mirror is generally located.

The substitute rear view mirror 4 c is used when the image captured bythe center camera 1 c cannot be displayed.

When unused, each of the substitute left side mirror 4 a and thesubstitute right side mirror 4 b is folded or accommodated inside thevehicle 100 so as not to cause an obstruction to objects around thevehicle 100. When unused, the substitute rear view mirror 4 c is foldedor accommodated inside the vehicle 100 so as not to cause an obstructionto the driver's view. When used, each of the folded or accommodatedmirrors 4 a-4 c is unfolded or appears from the inside of the vehicle100.

The controller 9 can control each of the substitute mirrors 4 a-4 c sothat each of the substitute mirrors 4 a-4 c can be automatically movedbetween a unused position (e.g., folded position) and a used position(e.g., unfolded position). The controller 9 can detect whether each ofthe substitute mirrors 4 a-4 c is in the unused position or in the usedposition by a conventional detection technique. Further, each of thesubstitute mirrors 4 a-4 c can be moved manually between the unusedposition and the used position.

The communication device 5 is a circuit for establishing wirelesscommunication with an external wireless communication apparatus (e.g., afailure reporting center for receiving and recording failure informationreported from vehicles) located outside the vehicle 100 by performingvarious processes including amplification, modulation, demodulation,frequency conversion, encoding, and decoding. The controller 9 canperform wireless communication with the external wireless communicationapparatus through the communication device 5.

The voice output device 6 is a device such as a speaker and outputs avoice sound inside the vehicle 100.

The drive prohibition device 7 can be an electronic control unit (ECU).The drive prohibition device 7 can perform a drive prohibition controlin accordance with a drive prohibition instruction from the controller9, thereby prohibiting the vehicle 100 from be being driven. Further,the drive prohibition device 7 can stop the drive prohibition control inaccordance with a drive prohibition removal instruction from thecontroller 9, thereby removing prohibition on driving the vehicle 100(i.e., allowing the vehicle 100 to be driven).

For example, the drive prohibition device 7 can be a brake ECU thatcontrols a brake of the vehicle 100. In this case, if the vehicle 100 isrunning at the time of receipt of the driving prohibition instruction,the drive prohibition device 7 can put the brake into a brake lock modeafter waiting for the vehicle 100 to be stopped. The brake lock modelocks the brake so that the brake cannot be released manually. Incontrast, if the vehicle 100 is stopped at the time of receipt of thedriving prohibition instruction, the drive prohibition device 7 can putthe brake into the lock mode immediately after the receipt of thedriving prohibition instruction.

For another example, the drive prohibition device 7 can be an engine ECUthat controls an engine of the vehicle 100. In this case, the driveprohibition device 7 can put the engine into an engine lock mode whenreceiving the driving prohibition instruction from the controller 9.When the engine is in the engine lock mode, the engine cannot be startedeven by an operation of the driver so that driving the vehicle 100 canbe prohibited.

The display group includes a left side display 8 a, a right side display8 b, and a center display 8 c. The displays 8 a-8 c display the imagescaptured by the cameras 1 a-1 c, respectively.

The left side display 8 a displays the image captured by the left sidecamera 1 a. The left side display 8 a is mounted in front and to theleft of the driver in such a manner that a screen of the left sidedisplay 8 a can face the driver. For example, when the vehicle 100 is aright hand drive, the left side display 8 a can be mounted to a centerportion of an instrument panel of the vehicle 100, and when the vehicle100 is a left hand drive, the left side display 8 a can be mounted to aleft end portion of the instrument panel. In such an approach, thedriver can see the left side display 8 a by looking to the left likeseeing a left side mirror. The driver can obtain the same or moreinformation by seeing the left side display 8 a than informationobtained by seeing a left side mirror. In this way, a combination of theleft side camera 1 a and the left side display 8 a can serve as asubstitute for a left side mirror.

The right side display 8 b displays the image captured by the right sidecamera 1 b. The right side display 8 b is mounted in front and to theright of the driver in such a manner that a screen of the right sidedisplay 8 b can face the driver. For example, when the vehicle 100 is aright hand drive, the right side display 8 b can be mounted to a rightend portion of the instrument panel of the vehicle 100, and when thevehicle 100 is a left hand drive, the right side display 8 b can bemounted to the center portion of the instrument panel. In such anapproach, the driver can see the right side display 8 b by looking tothe right like seeing a right side mirror. The driver can obtain thesame or more information by seeing the right side display 8 b thaninformation obtained by seeing a right side mirror. In this way, acombination of the right side camera 1 b and the right side display 8 bcan serve as a substitute for a right side mirror.

The center display 8 c displays the image captured by the center camera1 c. The center display 8 c is mounted between the left side display 8 aand the right side display 8 b with respect to the driver in such amanner that a screen of the center display 8 c can face the driver. Forexample, the center display 8 c can be mounted to the installment panelat a position directly in front of the driver. For another example, likea rear view mirror, the center display 8 c can be mounted to a front endportion of a ceiling of the vehicle 100. In such an approach, the drivercan see the center display 8 c like seeing a rear view mirror. Thedriver can obtain the same or more information by seeing the centerdisplay 8 c than information obtained by seeing a rear view mirror. Inthis way, a combination of the center camera 1 c and the center display8 c can serve as a substitute for a rear view mirror.

The controller 9 has a typical microcomputer including a centralprocessing unit (CPU), a random access memory (RAM), and a read onlymemory (ROM). As shown in FIG. 7, the controller 9 is configured toperform at least three functions: a capture/display function 91, afailure detection function 92, and a failure handling function 93.

The CPU of the controller 9 executes programs stored in the ROM, therebyperforming various functions including the capture/display function 91,the failure detection function 92, and the failure handling function 93.When executing the programs, the CPU can exchange signals with thecamera group of the cameras 1 a-1 c, the light group of the lightemitters 2 a-2 c, the sound group of the sound emitters 3 a-3 c, themirror group of the substitute mirrors 4 a-4 c, the communication device5, the voice output device 6, the drive prohibition device 7, and thedisplay group of the displays 8 a-8 c.

Operations of the controller 9 (i.e., the CPU) are described below. Asmentioned above, the controller 9 can perform the capture/displayfunction 91, the failure detection function 92, and the failure handlingfunction 93.

Firstly, the capture/display function 91 is discussed. Thecapture/display function 91 allows the images captured by the cameras 1a-1 c to be displayed on the displays 8 a-8 c, respectively.

Specifically, the capture/display function 91 includes threesub-functions: a left capture/display function, a right capture/displayfunction, and a center capture/display function.

In the left capture/display function, the controller 9 sequentiallyreceives the captured image from the left side camera 1 a in real timeand causes the left side display 8 a to sequentially display thereceived image in real time. FIG. 9 depicts an example of the imagedisplayed on the left side display 8 a. For example, the controller 9receives thirty images per second from the left side camera 1 a. As longas the left capture/display function works properly, the substitute leftside mirror 4 a is kept in the unused position, and the left side lightemitter 2 a is kept in a failure non-reporting position as shown in FIG.8. The left side light emitter 2 a emits a light with a first color inthe failure non-reporting position and emits a light with a second colordifferent from the first color in a failure reporting position. Forexample, the left side light emitter 2 a emits a green light in thefailure non-reporting position and emits a red light in the failurereporting position. Details of the failure reporting position and thefailure non-reporting position are described later.

Likewise, in the right capture/display function, the controller 9sequentially receives the captured image from the right side camera 1 bin real time and causes the right side display 8 b to sequentiallydisplay the received image in real time. For example, the controller 9receives thirty images per second from the right side camera 1 b. Aslong as the right capture/display function works properly, thesubstitute right side mirror 4 b is kept in the unused position, and theright side light emitter 2 b is kept in the failure non-reportingposition.

Likewise, in the center capture/display function, the controller 9sequentially receives the captured image from the center camera 1 c inreal time and causes the center display 8 c to sequentially display thereceived image in real time. For example, the controller 9 receivesthirty images per second from the center camera 1 c. As long as thecenter capture/display function works properly, the substitute rear viewmirror 4 c is kept in the unused position, and the center light emitter2 c is kept in the failure non-reporting position.

The controller 9 can perform signal processing on the images receivedfrom the cameras 1 a-1 c before causing the displays 8 a-8 c to displaythe received images. For example, the signal processing can includedistortion correction and trimming.

Next, the failure detection function 92 is discussed. The failuredetection function 92 repeatedly checks for failure of thecapture/display function 91 at a predetermined regular interval (e.g.,once per second). Specifically, the failure detection function 92separately (i.e., individually) checks for failure of the leftcapture/display function, the right capture/display function, and thecenter capture/display function. The controller 9 can serve as a failuredetection device by performing the failure detection function 92.

When a failure of the capture/display function 91 occurs, there is apossibility that the failure occurs in any of the cameras 1 a-1 c, thecables 10 a-10 c that connect the controller 9 to the cameras 1 a-1 c,the cables 11 a-11 c that connect the controller 9 to the displays 8 a-8c, and the displays 8 a-8 c.

As described above, according to the embodiment, the failure detectionfunction 92 separately checks for failure of the left capture/displayfunction, the right capture/display function, and the centercapture/display function. Therefore, the cameras 1 a-1 c, the cables 10a-10 c, the cables 11 a-11 c, and the displays 8 a-8 c are notseparately checked for failure. Specifically, the cameras 1 a-1 c, thecables 10 a-10 c, the cables 11 a-11 c, and the displays 8 a-8 c aredivided into sets, and each set is separately checked for failure. Morespecifically, the cameras 1 a-1 c, the cables 10 a-10 c, the cables 11a-11 c, and the displays 8 a-8 c are divided into the following six sets(A)-(F).

(A) the left side camera 1 a and the cable 10 a that connects the leftside camera 1 a to the controller 9.

(B) the right side camera 1 b and the cable 10 b that connects the rightside camera 1 b to the controller 9.

(C) the center camera 1 c and the cable 10 c that connects the centercamera 1 c to the controller 9.

(D) the left side display 8 a and the cable 11 a that connects the leftside display 8 a to the controller 9.

(E) the right side display 8 b and the cable lib that connects the rightside display 8 b to the controller 9.

(F) the center display 8 c and the cable 11 c that connects the centerdisplay 8 c to the controller 9.

In an example, the sets (A)-(C) are checked for failure based on whethernormal image signals (e.g., synchronization signals within a normalrange) are received from the cable 10 a-10 c.

In another example, request signals are transmitted through the cables10 a-10 c to the cameras 1 a-1 c, and the sets (A)-(C) are checked forfailure based on whether response signals corresponding to the requestsignals are returned.

In another example, a speed of the vehicle 100 is detected based on asignal from a speed sensor (not shown) mounted on the vehicle 100, andit is determined, based on the detected speed, whether or not thevehicle 100 is running. If it is determined that the vehicle 100 isrunning, the sets (A)-(C) can be checked for failure based on whetherimages received through the cables 10 a-10 c change with time. That is,the sets (A)-(C) can be checked for failure based on whether the imagesoutputted from the cameras 1 a-1 c are frozen.

The sets (D)-(F) can be checked for failure in the same manner as thesets (A)-(C). In an example, request signals are transmitted through thecables 11 a-11 c to the displays 8 a-8 c, and the sets (D)-(F) arechecked for failure based on whether response signals corresponding tothe request signals are returned.

Finally, the failure handling function 93 is discussed. When the failuredetection function 92 detects occurrence of a failure of thecapture/display function 91, the failure handling function 93 reportsthe occurrence of the failure to a person around the vehicle 100 asneeded and prohibits the vehicle 100 from being driven as needed.

Specifically, when an ignition switch of the vehicle 100 is turned ON,the controller 9 starts to execute a failure handling program shown inFIG. 10, thereby starting to perform the failure handling function 93.

The failure handling program starts at step 110, where the controller 9determines whether a failure occurs. Specifically, it is determined,based on the check result of the failure detection function 92, whethera failure occurs in the left capture/display function, the rightcapture/display function, and the center capture/display function. Ifthe controller 9 determines that a failure occurs in at least one of theleft capture/display function, the right capture/display function, andthe center capture/display function corresponding to YES at step 110,the failure handling program proceeds to step 120. In contrast, if thecontroller 9 determines that a failure does not occur in any of the leftcapture/display function, the right capture/display function, and thecenter capture/display function corresponding to NO at step 110, thefailure handling program jumps to step 170.

Specifically, if the check result of the failure detection function 92indicates that a failure occurs in at least one of the set (A) and theset (D), the controller 9 determines that a failure occurs in the leftcapture/display function. In contrast, if the check result of thefailure detection function 92 indicates that a failure occurs in neitherthe set (A) nor the set (D), the controller 9 determines that the leftcapture/display function operates properly.

If the check result of the failure detection function 92 indicates thata failure occurs in at least one of the set (B) and the set (E), thecontroller 9 determines that a failure occurs in the rightcapture/display function. In contrast, if the check result of thefailure detection function 92 indicates that a failure occurs in neitherthe set (B) nor set (E), the controller 9 determines that the rightcapture/display function operates properly.

If the check result of the failure detection function 92 indicates thata failure occurs in at least one of the set (C) and the set (F), thecontroller 9 determines that a failure occurs in the centercapture/display function. In contrast, if the check result of thefailure detection function 92 indicates that a failure occurs in neitherthe set (C) nor the set (F), the controller 9 determines that the centercapture/display function operates properly.

At step 120, the controller 9 reports occurrence of a failure of thecapture/display function 91. Specifically, at step 120, the lightemitter corresponding to the capture/display function that is determinedat step 110 to have a failure is put into the failure reportingposition. As described previously, the light emitter emits a light withthe second color (e.g., red) in the failure reporting position. Further,at step 120, the sound emitter corresponding to the capture/displayfunction that is determined at step 110 to have a failure is activatedto emit a sound.

For example, assuming that it is determined at step 110 that a failureoccurs in only the left capture/display function, the left side lightemitter 2 a is put into the failure reporting position at step 120, andalso the left side sound emitter 3 a is activated at step 120. Thus, atstep 120, the left side light emitter 2 a emits a light with the secondcolor, and the left side sound emitter 3 a emits a sound. In this way,the controller 9 reports occurrence of a failure of the leftcapture/display function to a person around the vehicle 100.

Further, at step 120, the controller 9 can transmit failure informationto the external wireless communication apparatus (e.g., the failurereporting center) by using the communication device 5. For example, thefailure information can include an identification number of the vehicle100 and a notice that a failure occurs in the capture/display function91.

Then, the failure handling program proceeds to step 130. At step 130,the controller 9 determines, based on an output signal of a speed sensor(not shown) of the vehicle 100, whether or not the vehicle 100 isrunning. For example, when the output signal of the speed sensorindicates that a speed of the vehicle 100 is equal to or faster than athreshold speed (e.g., one kilometer per hour), the controller 9determines that the vehicle 100 is running. In contrast, when the outputsignal of the speed sensor indicates that the speed of the vehicle 100is slower than the threshold speed, the controller 9 determines that thevehicle 100 is stopped.

If the controller 9 determines that the vehicle 100 is runningcorresponding to YES at step 130, the failure handling program proceedsto step 133. In contrast, if the controller 9 determines that thevehicle 100 is stopped corresponding to NO at step 130, the failurehandling program proceeds to step 135.

At step 133, the controller 9 reports the occurrence of the failure tothe driver of the vehicle 100. Further, the controller 9 requests thedriver to pull over to a safe place and stop the vehicle 100. Forexample, the controller 9 can cause at least one of the displays 8 a-8 cto display the following warning message: “Failure occurs in a rightcapture/display function. Please stop a vehicle in a safe place”.Further, the controller 9 can cause the voice output device 6 togenerate an audible warning message having the same content as thedisplayed warning message. In this way, the controller 9 provides thedriver with a warning that urges the driver to move the vehicle 100 to asafe place and stop the vehicle 100, when the vehicle is running at thetime of the failure of the capture/display function 91.

The warning message can be displayed on only the display correspondingto the capture/display function that is determined at step 110 to haveno failure. For example, assuming that it is determined at step 110 thata failure occurs in only the right capture/display function, the warningmessage can be displayed at step 120 on both the left side display 8 aand the center display 8 c. In this example, the warning message is notdisplayed on the right side display 8 b.

After step 133 is executed, the failure handling program returns to step110. Therefore, if a failure occurs in the capture/display function 91,the driver is repeatedly requested to pull over until the vehicle 100 isstopped. Then, when the vehicle 100 is stopped, the failure handlingprogram proceeds from step 130 to step 135. It is noted that if thefailed capture/display function 91 is recovered (i.e., cured) before thevehicle 100 is stopped, the failure handling program jumps from step 110to step 170 by causing the light emitter in the failure reportingposition to be in the failure non-reposting position and by causing theactivated sound emitter to be deactivated.

At step 135, the controller 9 reports the occurrence of the failure tothe driver of the vehicle 100. Further, the controller 9 notifies thedriver that the vehicle 100 will be prohibited from being driven. Forexample, the controller 9 can cause at least one of the displays 8 a-8 cto display a warning message saying that a failure occurs in thecapture/display function 91 and that the vehicle 100 will be prohibitedfrom being driven. In this way, the controller 9 warns the driver thatthe vehicle 100 will be prohibited from being driven due to the failureof the capture/display function 91.

An example of the warning message displayed at step 135 is shown in FIG.12. In the example shown in FIG. 12, the warning message says “Due to afailure of an electronic mirror, a vehicle will be prohibited from beingdriven. Prohibition can be removed by using a substitute mirror”.Further, the controller 9 can cause the voice output device 6 togenerate an audible warning message having the same content as thedisplayed warning message.

Like at step 133, the warning message can be displayed on only thedisplay corresponding to the capture/display function that is determinedat step 110 to have no failure.

After step 135 is executed, the failure handling program proceeds tostep 140, where the controller 9 prohibits the vehicle 100 from beingdriven. Specifically, the controller 9 sends the drive prohibitioninstruction to the drive prohibition device 7, and the drive prohibitiondevice 7 performs the drive prohibition control (e.g., brake lock, orengine lock) in response to the drive prohibition instruction, therebyprohibiting the vehicle 100 from being driven.

Then, the failure handling program proceeds to step 150, where thecontroller 9 determines whether all the substitute mirrors correspondingto the capture/display functions, which are determined at step S110 tohave a failure, are in the used position. A reason for this is that thedriver can see the area around the vehicle without the capture/displayfunction by using the corresponding substitute mirror. As an example,FIG. 13 depicts the substitute left side mirror 4 a that is in the usedposition. If all the corresponding substitute mirrors are in the usedposition corresponding to YES at step 150, the failure handling programproceeds to step 160. In contrast, if at least one of the correspondingsubstitute mirrors is in the unused position corresponding to NO at step150, the failure handling program repeats step 150.

At step 160, the controller 9 removes the prohibition on driving thevehicle 100. Specifically, the controller 9 sends the drive prohibitionremoval instruction to the drive prohibition device 7, and the driveprohibition device 7 stops the drive prohibition control in response tothe drive prohibition removal instruction, thereby allowing the vehicle100 to be driven. When the prohibition on driving the vehicle 100 isremoved, the controller 9 causes the light emitter in the failurereporting position to be in the failure non-reporting position andcauses the activated sound emitter to be deactivated.

Then, the failure handling program proceeds to step 170, where thecontroller 9 determines whether the ignition switch of the vehicle 100is OFF. If the ignition switch is ON corresponding to NO at step 170,the failure handling program returns to step 110. In contrast, if theignition switch is OFF corresponding to YES at step 170, the failurehandling program ends after turning OFF the light emitters 2 a-2 c andthe sound emitters 3 a-3 c.

As described above, according to the embodiment, when the ignitionswitch of the vehicle 100 is ON, the controller 9 executes the failurehandling program shown in FIG. 10 so as to perform the failure handlingfunction 93. In the failure handling function 93, when the controller 9detects that a failure occurs in at least one of the left sidecapture/display function, the right side capture/display function, andthe center capture/display function of the capture/display function 91(refer to step 110), the controller 9 reports the occurrence of thefailure to a person around the vehicle 100 by light and sound (refer tostep 120). Thus, a person outside the vehicle 100 can find out that afailure occurs in the capture/display function 91 of the vehicle 100.For example, police can find out the failure by viewing the vehicle 100from the outside and crack down on the vehicle 100 for poor maintenance.For another example, if a law demanding that a failure in an electronicmirror system should be reported outside a vehicle is enacted, theelectronic mirror system of the embodiment can comply with the law.

Further, according to the embodiment, when the occurrence of the failureis reported by light and sound, only the light emitter corresponding tothe capture/display function having the failure is put into the failurereporting position so as to emit a light with a specific color, and onlythe sound emitter corresponding to the capture/display function havingthe failure is activated so as to emit a sound. Therefore, by viewingthe vehicle 100 from the outside, it can be easily determined that whichcapture/display function of the capture/display function 91malfunctions.

Further, according to the embodiment, the controller 9 reports theoccurrence of the failure to the external wireless communicationapparatus outside the vehicle 100 by using the communication device 5and also reports the occurrence of the failure to the driver inside thevehicle 100 (refer to step 120).

Then, the controller 9 requests the driver to pull over to a safe placeand stop the vehicle 100 (refer to step 133), if the vehicle 100 isrunning at the time of the occurrence of the failure. After the vehicle100 is stopped or if the vehicle 100 is already stopped at the time ofthe occurrence of the failure (corresponding to NO at step 130), thecontroller 9 reports the occurrence of the failure to the driver andnotifies the driver that the vehicle 100 will be prohibited from beingdriven (refer to step 135). Then, the controller 9 prohibits the vehicle100 from being driven (refer to step 140).

In this way, the controller 9 automatically prohibits the vehicle 100from being driven, when a failure occurs in the capture/display function91 of the electronic mirror system. In such an approach, it is possibleto reduce the chance (i.e., risk) that the driver will drive the vehicle100 in the event of the failure.

Further, according to the embodiment, when a failure is detected duringrunning of the vehicle 100, the controller 9 provides the driver with awaning (i.e., displayed warning message and/or audible warning message)that urges the driver to stop the vehicle 100 in a safe place. Then, thecontroller 9 prohibits the vehicle 100 from being driven, after thevehicle 100 is stopped. In such an approach, it is possible to removethe chance (i.e., risk) that the vehicle 100 will be forced to beprohibited from being driven during running of the vehicle 100. Thus,the vehicle 100 can be safely prohibited from being driven.

Then, when the controller 9 detects that all the substitute mirrorscorresponding to the failed capture/display functions of thecapture/display function 91 are in the used position (refer to step150), the controller 9 removes the prohibition on driving the vehicle100 (refer to step 160). Thus, even when a failure occurs in thecapture/display function 91, the vehicle 100 can be allowed to be drivenby using the substitute mirrors.

In this case, using the substitute mirrors 4 a-4 c allows the driver toview the area around the vehicle 100 in the almost same manner as beforethe occurrence of the failure of the capture/display function 91.Therefore, removing the prohibition on driving the vehicle 100 under acondition where the substitute mirrors 4 a-4 c are in use does not causea problem. Thus, unnecessary prohibition on driving the vehicle 100 canbe prevented.

(Modifications)

The embodiment described above can be modified in various ways, forexample, as follows.

According to the embodiment, the controller 9 directly detects a failureof the capture/display function 91. Alternatively, the controller 9 canindirectly detect a failure of the capture/display function 91.

For example, the electronic mirror system can include three camerafailure detection circuits, each of which is configured to detect afailure of a corresponding one of the cameras 1 a-1 c. In this case,each camera failure detection circuit can send a camera failuredetection signal to the controller 9 upon detection of a failure of thecorresponding camera. In such an approach, the controller 9 canindirectly detect failures of the cameras 1 a-1 c through the camerafailure detection circuits. For example, the camera failure detectioncircuit can monitor a synchronization signal of the image outputted fromthe corresponding camera and determine, based on stability of thesynchronization signal, whether or not a failure occurs in thecorresponding camera. For another example, the camera failure detectioncircuit can monitor a drive voltage of the corresponding camera anddetermine, based on the drive voltage, whether or not a failure occursin the corresponding camera.

Likewise, the electronic mirror system can include three display failuredetection circuits, each of which is configured to detect a failure of acorresponding one of the displays 8 a-8 c. In this case, each displayfailure detection circuit can send a display failure detection signal tothe controller 9 upon detection of a failure of the correspondingdisplay. In such an approach, the controller 9 can indirectly detectfailures of the displays 8 a-8 c through the display failure detectioncircuits.

For example, when the displays 8 a-8 c are cathode ray tube (CRT)displays, the display failure detection circuits can detect failures ofthe displays 8 a-8 c by monitoring an output current/voltage value of atleast one of a power supply circuit, a horizontal/vertical deflectioncircuit, and a booster circuit. For another example, when the displays 8a-8 c are liquid crystal display (LCD) displays, the display failuredetection circuits can detect failures of the displays 8 a-8 c bymonitoring at least one of a liquid crystal driving signal and abacklight driving signal.

Likewise, the electronic mirror system can include six cable breakdetection circuits, each of which is configured to detect a break in acorresponding one of the cables 10 a-10 c and 11 a-11 c. In this case,each cable break detection circuit can send a break detection signal tothe controller 9 upon detection of a break in the corresponding cable.In such an approach, the controller 9 can indirectly detect failures(i.e., breaks) of the cables 10 a-10 c and 11 a-11 c through the cablebreak detection circuits.

In this way, the controller 9 can work in conjunction with the camerafailure detection circuit, the display failure detection circuit, andthe cable break detection circuit so as to serve as a failure detectioncircuit.

Specifically, the controller 9 can determine that a failure occurs inthe left capture/display function, if the above failure/break detectioncircuits detect that a failure or a break occurs in at least one of theleft side camera 1 a, the cable 10 a, the cable 11 a, and the left sidedisplay 8 a. Likewise, the controller 9 can determine that a failureoccurs in the right capture/display function, if the above failure/breakdetection circuits detect that a failure or a break occurs in at leastone of the right side camera 1 b, the cable 10 b, the cable 11 b, andthe right side display 8 b. Likewise, the controller 9 can determinethat a failure occurs in the center capture/display function, if theabove failure/break detection circuits detect that a failure or a breakoccurs in at least one of the center camera 1 c, the cable 10 c, thecable 11 c, and the center display 8 c.

Further, according to the embodiment, the failure detection function 92checks for failure of the left capture/display function, the rightcapture/display function, and the center capture/display function of thecapture/display function 91, separately. Alternatively, the failuredetection function 92 can check for failure of the capture/displayfunction 91, collectively. That is, the controller 9 performs thefailure detention function 92 to determine whether or not the entirecapture/display function 91 operates properly. For example, when thecontroller 9 detects that a failure occurs in at least one of the leftcapture/display function, the right capture/display function, and thecenter capture/display function, the controller 9 determines that theentire capture/display function 91 malfunctions.

In this case, the flow chart of FIG. 10 is modified as follows. If thecontroller 9 detects at step 110 that a failure occurs in at least oneof the left capture/display function, the right capture/displayfunction, and the center capture/display function, the controller 9 canput all the light emitters 2 a-2 c in the failure reporting position andactivate all the sound emitters 3 a-3 c at step 120.

Then, if the controller 9 determines at step 150 that all the substitutemirrors 4 a-4 c are in the used position, the controller 9 can removethe prohibition on driving the vehicle 100 at step 160.

Further, according to the embodiment, the electronic mirror systemincludes the substitute mirrors 4 a-4 c that are used when a failureoccurs in the capture/display function 91. Alternatively, the electronicmirror system can include no substitute mirror. That is, the vehicle 100can have none of left and right side mirrors and a rear view mirror.

Further, according to the embodiment, the electronic mirror system isdiscussed as an example of an outside view monitor system of the presentinvention. Alternatively, the outside view monitor system can be appliedto other systems that capture an image of the area around a vehicle anddisplays the captured image on a display in the vehicle. For example,the outside view monitor system can be applied to a rear view monitorsystem, which captures an image of a blind spot behind a vehicle anddisplays the captured image on a display in the vehicle.

Further, according to the embodiment, the displays 8 a-8 c are mountedon the vehicle 100. Alternatively, an additional display (e.g., adisplay used in a navigation system) can be mounted on the vehicle 100along with the displays 8 a-8 c. In this case, the controller 9 cancause the additional display to display the warning message such asshown in FIG. 12 in the event of the failure.

Further, according to the embodiment, the images captured by the cameras1 a-1 c are displayed on the displays 8 a-8 c, respectively.Alternatively, the images captured by the cameras 1 a-1 c can becombined, and the combined image can be displayed on at least one of thedisplays 8 a-8 c.

Further, according to the embodiment, the controller 9 achieves thefunctions (e.g., the failure handling function 93) by executing theprograms (e.g., the failure handling program shown in FIG. 10). That is,the functions are achieved by software. Alternatively, the functions canbe achieved by hardware such as a field programmable gate array (FPGA).

Such changes and modifications are to be understood as being within thescope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

1. A monitor system for a vehicle comprising: a camera configured tocapture an image of an area around the vehicle; a display configured todisplay the captured image to a driver of the vehicle; a failuredetection device configured to detect a failure of a function, thefunction allowing the display to display the captured image; and aprohibition control device configured to prohibit the vehicle from beingdriven in response to detection of the failure by the failure detectiondevice.
 2. The monitor system according to claim 1, wherein theprohibition control device provides the driver with a warning that urgesthe driver to stop the vehicle, when the vehicle runs at the time of thedetection of the failure, and the prohibition control device prohibitsthe vehicle from being driven, after the vehicle is stopped.
 3. Themonitor system according to claim 1, further comprising: a substitutedevice serving as a substitute for the function and configured to allowthe driver to see the area around the vehicle without the function,wherein the prohibition control device removes prohibition on drivingthe vehicle in response to detection that the substitute device is inuse.
 4. The monitor system according to claim 2, further comprising: asubstitute device serving as a substitute for the function andconfigured to allow the driver to see the area around the vehiclewithout the function, wherein the prohibition control device removesprohibition on driving the vehicle in response to detection that thesubstitute device is in use.
 5. A vehicle comprising: the monitor systemof claim 1, wherein the function of the monitor system serves as asubstitute for at least one of a side mirror and a rear view mirror, andthe vehicle does not have the at least one of the side mirror and therear view mirror.
 6. The vehicle according to claim 5, wherein theprohibition control device provides the driver with a warning that urgesthe driver to stop the vehicle, when the vehicle runs at the time of thedetection of the failure, and the prohibition control device prohibitsthe vehicle from being driven, after the vehicle is stopped.